Cut-off mechanism



Patented Jan. 11, 1938 Ni'i'E STATES TENT OFFIQE CUT-OFF MECHANISM tion of Connecticut Application April 24, 1936, Serial No. 76,197

31 Claims. (Cl. 140-145) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in cut-01f mechanism, particularly to that type of such mechanism as is associated with upsetting machines or the like, but adapted for use equally as well in machines for other purposes.

He-retofore in mechanism of this character the cutter bar is actuated through the medium of a reciprocating slide or the like, having a cam path therein to receive a cam roll associated with the cutter bar. Suchslide has a relatively long motion in order that the cutter bar may have the desired length of stroke.

The cam roll, in the reciprocating slide, works alternately against the opposite walls of the cam path, and due to the direction of motion of the slide being constantly reversed, both the roll and the walls of the cam path are worn. This to such a degree as to make uncertain the movement of the cut-off bar, as well as the timing and length of its stroke, which should be constant and uniform as even a slight deviation therefrom impairs its effectiveness and the eificiency of the machine. The relatively long motion of the reciprocating slide limits the speed thereof, and the output of the machine with which it is associated.

This improved cut-off mechanism is without the above and other objections.

The cutter bar herein is actuated by mechanism having relatively short motions and including rock elements as distinguished from the old type of reciprocating slide. By this form of cutoff mechanism there are no parts subject to unusual wear and that vary the length and timing of the stroke of the cutter bar, which is thus always constant and uniform. This cut-01f mechanism may also be operated at very high speeds, thus increasing the output of the machine. V

To these, and other ends, this improved cutoil mechanism has certain details of construction and combinations of parts, as hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the drawing, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts in the several figures:

Figure 1 is a view of a portion of an upsetting machine;

Figure 2 another view thereof, the portions in section being taken generally upon line 2- -2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view, the parts in section being taken generally upon line 3-3 of Figure 2;

55. and I Figure. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the same mechanism, the parts in section being taken generally upon line 4-4 of Figure 2.

In the drawing, it indicates the body of an upsetting machine of a conventional type, having a die-block l l supporting a cut-ofi die, not shown, a reciprocating punch l2 and feed rolls l3. In the operation of such an upsetting machine, wire is fed through the cut-01f die in the die-block by means of the rolls l3. The portion projecting through the die is severed by a cut-off knife l4 and transferred to another die (not shown) and then subjected to an operation by the reciprocating punch l2, or the like.

All of the mechanism above referred to is well known in the art and does not require more detailed description. This invention, however, relates particularly to the cut-01f mechanism. As described herein, such mechanism comprises in part a cut-off bar 15 that has a reciprocatory motion at an angle to the line of feed of the wire and the opening in the cut-01f die, and has a knife 14 fixed upon its inner end which moves across the face of the die-block H.

A reciprocating cut-off bar with a knife on the inner end is a conventional form and is not claimed as a part of this invention, which relates more particularly to the mechanism for imparting movement thereof.

Rotatably mounted in the body l0 is a driving shaft it, upon which is a gear H, the teeth of which mesh into those of a gear 18 on the shaft i9. Adjustably secured to the gear I8 is a cam plate 20, carrying the cut-01f cam 2| secured by a screw 22 or the like.

Also fixed to the cam plate 28 is the return cam 23. Bolts 24 which pass through arcuate slots 25 in the cam plate 20 provide means for adjustably securing it on the gear 18.

Journaled on a stud 21 is a rock arm or lever 28 having a stud 29 carrying cam rolls 3% and 3|, the former having contact with the cut-off cam 2i and the latter with the return cam 23. Thus the rock arm 28 is actuated positively in both directions by the gear l8 through the cut-off cam 2| and the return cam 23.

Upon a fixed part is a cut-off bracket 32, preferably closed on two sides by the caps 33 and 34.

The outer end 35 of the cutter bar I5 is slidably mounted in this bracket 32, as shown in Figure 4, and the slot therein is closed by the cap All. Upon a stud 31 in the bracket is a rock lever 36, one arm of which projects into a slot in the end 35 of the cutter bar. The outer end of this arm has concentric walls which engage bearing blocks 39 within the slotted end 35 of the cutter bear, thus providing a bearing connection between the lever and cutter bar.

Between the rock arm 28 and the rock lever 35 is a connection case 4! closed on one side by a cap it and within which is a shearing block 42, held fixed by a shear pin 43.

The case ti is connected with one arm of the rock lever 36 by a stud 45 threaded into the said case. The ball head 46 of this stud is journaled in the rock lever 36 and held in such position by a cap til, thus providing a. universal ball joint.

The shearing block 62 is connected with the rock arm 28 by similar mechanism, that is, a stud 33 threaded into the shearing block 42 and having a ball head 55 journaled in the rock arm 23 and the cap 5% fixed thereto, thus forming a universal ball joint.

Locking nuts on the studs 45 and 48 hold the studs in any of their several adjusted positions. By the means shown and described an operative connection is made between the rock arm 28 and rock lever 36. A springtvl on the rod 52 takes up any lost motion of the cam rolls, etc.

The operating cams and cam rolls herein con-- stantly rotate in one direction, and by means of intermediate rock lever mechanism and the like the cutter bar derives a reciprocatory positive motion in timed relation with other parts.

As all of the motions of the several parts are relatively short, high speeds may be obtained and thus increasethe product of the machine, and the possibility of wear upon the parts is reduced to the absolute minimum. In fact there is practically no possibility of such wear.

As the cutter bar l5 moves inwardly the overhanging ends of the cap 40 engage the spring plugs 55, and the tension of the springs 56 resist to a limited degree the action of the lever means,

and absorb the back lash, if any, during the further movement of the cutter bar and before it is under labor.

There are minor changes and alterations that may be made within the invention, aside from those herein suggested, and I would therefore have it understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction herein shown and described, but includes all that falls fairly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; a rock member for imparting reciprocatory movement to the cutter bar substantially parallel with the shaft, movable about a center located upon one side of and between the ends of the cutter bar; and means for actuating said rock member from said shaft.

2. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; a rock member journaled adjacent to one side of the cutter bar and near one end thereof, with an arm operatively connected with the cutter bar; and means for actuating said rock member from said shaft whereby a reciprocatory movement is imparted to the cutter bar substantially parallel with the shaft.

3. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar movable in a path substantially parallel with the shaft having a slotted end; a rock member, one arm of which projects into said slotted end; and means for actuating the rock member whereby reciprocatory movement is imparted to the cutter bar.

4. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto substantially parallel with the shaft, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; means for actuating the rock member from a continuously rotating cam, comprising in part a member carrying a cam roll actuated by the cam, and a universal joint connection between said member and rock member.

5. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by said cam; and a connection between the rock members, having a universal joint connection therewith.

6. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement to the cutter bar substantially parallel with the shaft, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by said cam; a universal joint connection between the rock members; and yielding means applying pressure to the last mentioned rock member.

7. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciproc'atory movement thereto substantially parallel with the shaft, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by said cam; and a connection between the rock members, comprising in part companion members held in fixed relation to each other and each having an extension member at the outer end thereof.

8. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a. cam; a rock member actuated by said cam; and a connection between the rock members, comprising in part companion members held fixed in relation to each other, an extension member at the outer end of each of the companion members, one having a universal joint connection with the first mentioned rock member and the other with the last mentioned rock member.

9. In mechanism of the character described; a cutterbar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by said cam; a connection between the rock members, comprising in part companion members held fixed in relation to each other, an extension member at the outer end of each of the companion memebrs, one having a universal joint connection with the first mentioned rock member and the other with the last mentioned rock member; and means for securing the companion members together whereby they will be released for relative movement under abnormal conditions.

10. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock with the first mentioned rock member and the other With the last mentioned rock member; means for securing the companion members together whereby they will be released for rela- V tive movement under abnormal conditions; and

means to prevent the disengagement of these members from each other when released for relative movement.

11. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft, a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto substantially parallel with the shaft, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; an outside cam for actuating the cutter bar while under labor, and an inside cam for returning the cutter bar after such labor; a cam actuated rock member; and a universal joint connection between the rock members.

12. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; an outside cam for actuating the cutter bar while under labor, and an inside cam for returning the cutter bar after such labor; means for adjusting the relative positions of said cams about a common center; a rock member actuated by said cams; and a connection between the rock members.

13. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a second rock member actuated by said cam; and a connection between the rock members having a universal joint connection therewith, said connection being variable in length.

14. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; an outside cam; an inside cam, said cams being so arranged that one of the cams actuates the cutter bar while under labor and the other returns the cutter bar after such labor; means for adjusting the relative positions of said cams about a common center; a rock member actuated by said cams; and a connection between the rock members.

l5.' In mechanism of the character described having a shaft, and a cutter bar reciprocating in 'a path substantially parallel with the axis of said shaft; means for imparting such reciprocating motion to said cutter bar from said shaft, comprising in part cam means and rock mechanism between said cam means and cutter bar, actuated by said cam means,

16. In mechanism of the character described having a shaft, and a cutter bar reciprocating in' a path substantially parallel with the axis of said shaft; means for imparting such reciprocating motion to said cutter bar from said shaft, comprising in part cam means on said shaft and rock mechanism between said cam means and cutter bar, actuated by said cam means.

17. In mechanism of the character described having a shaft, and a cutter bar reciprocating in a path substantially parallel with the axis of said shaft; rock means between the shaft and cutter bar for imparting such reciprocating motion to said cutter bar, and deriving its motion from said shaft.

18. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar substantially parallel therewith; a rock member journaled adjacent to the cutter bar, one arm of which has an operative connection therewith; and means for actuating said rock member from said shaft, comprising in part a connection member, such means maintaining constant operative connection with said rock member irrespective of its relative position about the axis thereof.

19. In mechanism of the character described; cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members having a ball head extension member at each end thereof, such extension member at one end being operatively connected with the first mentioned rock member and the extension member at the other end being operatively connected with the last mentioned rock member.

20. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members having a ball head extension member at each end thereof, such extension member at one end being operatively connected with the first mentioned rock member and the extension member at the other end being operatively connected with the last mentioned rock member; and means for varying the relative position of the extension members.

21. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members having an extension member at each end thereof, such extension members having an intermediate portion composed or plural parts connected by a breaker member.

22. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members having an extension member at each end thereof. such extension members having an intermediate portion composed of plural parts connected by a breaker member which when broken will permit relative movement of such parts without imparting movement to the cutter bar.

23. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with said cutter bar; a cam; a rock member actuated by the cam; a connection between the rock members having an extension member at each end thereof, such extension members having an intermediate portion composed of plural parts connected by a breaker member which when broken will permit relative movement of such parts without imparting movement to the cutter bar;

and means for limiting the extent of such sliding movement.

24. In mechanism of the character described; a cutter bar; means for imparting reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having a connection with the cutter bar; a cam; a second rock member actuated by the cam about an axis at an angle to that of the first mentioned rock member and a universal joint connection between the rock members.

25. In mechanism of the character described;

a cutter bar; means for imparting reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with the cutter bar; a cam; a second rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members, the axis of rotation of the rock members being at an angle to each other.

26. In mechanism of the character described; a shaft; a cutter bar; means for imparting reciprocatory movement thereto, comprising in part a rock member having connection with the cutter bar; a cam; a second rock member actuated by the cam; and a connection between the rock members, the axis of rotation of one rock member being substantially parallel with that of the shaft and the other at substantially a, right angle thereto.

27. In an upsetting machine, a shaft; a cutter bar movable in a path substantially parallel with the shaft; and lever means between the shaft and cutter bar for actuating the cutter bar.

28. In an upsetting machine or the like; a cutter bar; lever means for actuating the same; and means for resisting to a limited degree the action of said lever means during a, portion of the stroke of the cutter bar in one direction.

29.In an upsetting machine or the like; a cutter bar; lever means for actuating the same; and means for resisting to a limited degree the action of said lever means during a portion of the stroke of the cutter bar in one direction, comprising in part resilient members in the path of movement of the cutter bar.

30. In an upsetting machine or the like; a. cutter bar; lever means for actuating the same; resilient means for limiting the movement of the cutter bar-during a portion of its stroke, comprising a. spring, a plug or the like in the path of a portion on the cutter bar which engages the plug and compresses the spring.

31. In an upsetting machine or the like; a cutter bar; lever means for imparting a reciprocatory movement thereto; a member on the cutter bar projecting laterally therefrom; a, plug; and a spring, said laterally projecting portions on the cutter bar engaging the plug during the latter portion of the cut-off portion of the stroke of the cutter bar and its further movement resisted a limited degree by the spring.

RICHARD LESTER WILCOX. 

